Video – Using MultiPoint Server 2011 with an iPad

Yes, this is an iPad - get over itOne of the nice things about Windows MultiPoint Server 2011 is that you can use a variety of clients to connect to it and control it. Clients like:

  • Desktop PCs
  • Laptops
  • Netbooks
  • Thin clients
  • USB stations
  • Even iPads (yes, you read that right)

I put together a short two-part video showing how to:

  1. Remote control your iPad from a Windows PC, and
  2. How to control a MultiPoint 2011 server from an iPad.
     

Note: Part 1 of the video shows a jailbroken iPad. You do NOT need to jailbreak the iPad to control the MultiPoint server. I jailbroke it so I could remote into the iPad to shoot the video (and because jailbreaking is fun and lets you do stuff that Apple should have done originally).

You can do Part 2 of the video (controlling the WMS 2011 Server) with an off-the-shelf iPad 1 or iPad 2 and an RDP program from the iTunes App Store – rest assured that your warranty will still be intact.

Controlling Windows MultiPoint Server 2011 with an iPad

Well, it’s kind of short – 12 minutes Winking smile

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Weather Woes and Siding Woes: Why Cutting Corners on Repairs Can Cost You Big

Living in a house is like living in a fort – it should be a place of comfort and security. But just like any fort, your home needs strong walls to keep out the invaders – in this case, the rain, sun, and wind that come with the weather. Your siding is your first line of defense, but harsh weather can leave it battered and bruised. Here’s why understanding how the weather affects your siding, and why hiring the best siding contractors is crucial, can save you money in the long run.

Weather’s Tantrum: A Multi-Hitter for Your Siding

The elements can throw a whole lot at your siding, each with its own destructive power:

Sun’s Scorching Temper: The relentless sun can be like a bully, fading and cracking your siding, especially if it’s made of lower-quality materials. This not only makes your house look worse, but it also weakens the siding’s ability to protect you from other weather woes.
Rain’s Persistent Drip, Drip, Drip: Heavy rain can be like a sneaky thief, exploiting any cracks or gaps in your siding to sneak in. This moisture intrusion can lead to mold growth, rot, and even structural damage – all problems that can cost a small fortune to fix.
Wind’s Furious Fists: Strong winds can be like a destructive prankster, ripping off siding panels, especially during storms. Loose siding creates openings for water to get in, exposing your home’s vulnerable interior to the elements.

DIY Danger Zone: Why Shortcuts Can Lead to a Bigger Bill

While patching up a small crack yourself might seem like a quick fix, it can be a gamble that ends up costing you more. Here’s why hiring top-notch siding contractors is the smarter financial move:

Expert Detectives: Experienced contractors are like CSI for your siding. They can identify weather-related damage with a keen eye and recommend the most effective solutions. They can also spot potential problems before they become major issues, saving you from a hefty repair bill down the road.
Flawless Installation is Key: Proper siding installation is like building a fort with perfect brickwork. Skilled contractors ensure the siding is installed flawlessly, creating a watertight seal that keeps leaks and drafts at bay. This level of expertise minimizes the risk of future weather damage, saving you money on repairs.
The Right Armor for the Right Battle: Different climates require different siding materials. Top contractors are like warriors who know the best weapons – they can recommend siding specifically designed to withstand the weather challenges of your region. This ensures your siding is built to last and protects your home for years to come.
Warranty as Your Shield: Reputable contractors offer warranties on their work and materials. This peace of mind translates to financial security, as you’re protected from unexpected repair costs within the warranty period.

Invest in Your Home’s Fortress

Hiring the best Calgary Siding installation service isn’t just about curb appeal; it’s about proactively protecting your investment. By prioritizing quality materials, expert installation, and preventative maintenance, you’re ensuring your home can weather any storm and remain a secure and comfortable haven for years to come. Think of it as a long-term investment in your home’s fort. The upfront cost of a professional is a small price to pay compared to the potential financial and structural damage caused by neglecting your siding.

So, don’t let the weather win the battle against your home. Schedule regular inspections, address weather-related issues promptly, and consider working with the best siding contractors in your area. Your home and your wallet will thank you for it.

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Videos – Free SBS 2011 Standard Training

The folks on the Windows Small Business Server team at Microsoft have recently released a batch of training videos called “Learning Bites”. These short videos (typically under 5 minutes each) focus in on specific tasks and demos on SBS 2011 Standard.

SBS 2011 Standard “Learning Bites” Videos

Title of Video Length Released
SBS 2011 – Overview 26:05 01/14/2011
SBS 2011 – Technical Decision Maker Overview 50:49 01/14/2011
SBS 2011 – Administrative Console 5:00 01/14/2011
SBS 2011 – Backup Wizard 4:57 01/14/2011
SBS 2011 – Computer Properties 3:45 01/14/2011
SBS 2011 – Connect Computer 2:43 01/14/2011
SBS 2011 – Connect to Internet Wizard (CTIW) 2:05 01/14/2011
SBS 2011 – Groups and User Roles 4:37 01/14/2011
SBS 2011 – Health Reporting 3:33 01/14/2011
SBS 2011 – Internet Address Management 4:06 01/14/2011
SBS 2011 – Managing Remote Web Access (RWA) 3:15 01/14/2011
SBS 2011 – Using Remote Web Access (RWA) 3:16 01/14/2011
SBS 2011 – Managing Storage 3:16 01/14/2011
SBS 2011 – Managing Updates 3:59 01/14/2011
SBS 2011 – Managing Users 4:22 01/14/2011
SBS 2011 – Security 2:30 01/14/2011
SBS 2011 – Shared Folders 4:12 01/14/2011

 

As additional videos are released, you can find them here:
http://www.microsoft.com/showcase/en/us/search?phrase=SBS%202011

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Free Windows Small Business Server 2011 Training

Complete one of these Windows Small Business Server 2011 courses between now and January 26, 2011 and you’ll be entered for a chance to win a Windows Phone 7 or an Xbox Kinect sensor.

Windows SBS 2011 Standard Technical Training:

Note: You will need a Microsoft Partner ID credentials to log onto the training site to view this content.

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Videos – Aurora and SBS v7

Unless you’ve been living in a cave this week, you probably heard that at Worldwide Partner Conference 2010 Microsoft announced previews of two new products in the SBS family code named “Aurora” and SBS “7”.

If you didn’t make it to WPC, check out both videos from Microsoft Senior Program Manager Lead, Becky Ochs:

Windows Server Code Name “Aurora

  • Built on Windows Server 2008 R2
  • Supports up to 25 users
  • Remote Web Access
  • Server and Client backup
Aurora video – featuring Becky Ochs

 

Windows Small Business Server “7

  • Built on Windows Server 2008 R2
  • Supports up to 75 users
  • Remote Web Access
  • Exchange Server 2010 SP1
  • SharePoint 2010 Foundation
  • Windows Software Update Services 3.0
  • SQL Server 2008 R2 (Premium)
SBS 7 video – featuring Becky Ochs

 

You can find out more about the preview products here:
http://www.microsoft.com/sbs/en/us/beta.aspx

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The Return of Artie, Sort of

I’ve always been a big fan of a) The Adventures of Pete and Pete show (I own all the DVDs) and b) funny Microsoft videos. This morning I came across a video on the Microsoft OEM Partner Center that was pretty hilarious. And to top it off, one of the actors in the video reminded me of “Artie the Strongest Man in the World” from Pete and Pete. Behold:

Microsoft “Office With Every PC” Video

Microsoft, kicking it old school rap style

Artie – The Strongest Man in the World

Artie, the strongest man... in the WORLD!

Yes, I know it’s not really Artie, but it’s still fun to imagine. 🙂

If you’d like to check out the video, you’ll need a Microsoft Partner ID to access the OEM Partner Center website, and Silverlight installed on your PC. Or, you can show up at the KYSBSUG meeting tonight and I’ll play it there.

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Videos – IE 8 First Look

There was some talk Wednesday night at Fox & Hound about Internet Explorer 8, and I wanted to share these videos for those interested in seeing what’s new and cool.

MIX video:

First Look at IE8 Activities and WebSlices

Channel 10 video:

First Look: Internet Explorer 8

Download: Internet Explorer 8 Beta 1 for Vista & Server 2008

Note – This is a developer’s edition, so make sure you’re playing with it on a demo or VPC machine, not in a production environment.

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Twitter and Darth Vader

darth_vader Sunday morning, pretty day outside. Meeting was canceled due to snow-removal issues, so that injects some extra free time in my day. But the Daylight Saving Time change took some of that free time back away. 🙁 And this freaky early DST has me checking my watch every 20 minutes, which feels weird and is messing with my mind. So I’m chilling out, listening to some Portishead, doing some much MUCH needed spring cleaning, and basically avoiding thinking about doing my taxes. 

Seriously, I have no idea where all this ‘stuff’ comes from, but it just keeps piling up. Books, CDs, papers, software, posters, AC adapters that go to who knows what – just gobs and gobs of stuff… in piles.  I even found 2 copies of Vista and 2 Office 2007’s, which is really cool. So hopefully when my wife gets home she’ll be proud of me for un-rubbling the place.

Anyway, the big clean is done and I decided to take a break and check up on email and Twitter. Interestingly, I got the most unexpected funny email. Mind you, not ‘ha ha’ funny, but just weird enough to make me smile on an already surreal day:

image

I mean, that just looks bizarre, doesn’t it?  ‘Twitter’ sounds like the name of a ship or something. 🙂

See, @DarthVader has been MIA from Twitter since January, and I thought he had gone the way of @BobaFett. But apparently the Dark Lord is alive and well, currently tooling around SXSW in Texas with all the cool kids. (Hey @sMoRTy71, make Louisville proud while you’re there!)  So today it was nice to see what’s going on, and Darth is totally cracking me up because he doesn’t break character and is using quotes like, “I find my lack of trousers… disturbing“. Just wrap your head around that mentally – Darth in Austin, TX posting tweets about not finding his pants. Makes for a funny mental picture, or maybe it’s just me.

Anyway, thanks for the add Darth, and thanks for keeping the internet interesting. 🙂

Darth Vader on Twitter

And just because I can, here’s a nice Darth video:

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